TRAIN firm GNER could pay out as much as £500,000 in compensation to passengers who endured nightmare rail journeys in sweltering heat.

Six trains were stranded on the East Coast Main Line between Huntingdon and Peterborough in temperatures as high as 115F after a power failure on Thursday afternoon.

Up to 300 passengers were trapped for two hours in the 2.55pm Newcastle to London King's Cross train, which was among those that were affected.

Thousands more passengers suffered delays as a result of the chaos, with many having to abandon journeys and stay overnight where they were.

GNER, based at York, announced details of a compensation package for the 5,000 or so passengers affected last week, and has now said the bill could top £500,000.

Spokesman John Gelson said: "As a responsible train company and one that cares about its customers, we aim to ensure they are fully and appropriately compensated.

"Therefore, we have earmarked a significant sum of money to ensure that people receive appropriate compensation far beyond what is required of us by national rail conditions of carriage."

Mr Gelson said several hundred customers had contacted the company with compensation claims, and that it was continuing to receive inquiries.

Affected passengers have been offered a full refund, a free return journey on the GNER network and payment for incidental expenses, such as taxi fares and hotel bills.